Logo image
Back
A delicate balance: The Cabo Blanco and Panic Point (mis)management case, North coast, Peru
Journal article   Peer reviewed

A delicate balance: The Cabo Blanco and Panic Point (mis)management case, North coast, Peru

Javier X Leon
Reef Journal, Vol.2, pp.36-45
2012
url
http://www.thereefjournal.com/files/Reef_Journal_2012_final_101212.pdfView
Webpage

Abstract

Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience coastal management socioeconomic impacts SWAN bathymetry surfing FONDEPES
A fishing pier in Cabo Blanco bay (northern Peru) degraded the surfing quality of Cabo Blanco, one of the best waves in South America. As the pier collapsed under the force of breaking waves, the National Fishing Development Fund (FONDEPES) has proposed to relocate the pier to a new site 500 m to the SW, an area that would compromise the surfing quality of yet another world-class surfing break, Panic Point. This paper presents an overview of the efforts by a group of surfers together with the Peruvian Surfing Association (FENTA) to protect the waves in Cabo Blanco from further degradation by providing an initial technical assessment of the local bathymetry and wave dynamics for the optimal location of the new fishing pier in the Cabo Blanco area. Modelling and validation of nearshore waves shows that the best site to build a new fishing pier is 600 m to the NE of the existing one. It is argued that a framework incorporating both the socioeconomic value surrounding surfing and a thorough understanding of coastal processes is needed for more robust and effective integrated coastal management.

Details

Metrics

385 Record Views
Logo image